Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed their interest in signing Michael Ballack after he was released by Chelsea earlier this week.

Ballack played for Leverkusen between 1999 and 2002 and was part of the side which reached the Champions League final in 2002, where they were beaten by Real Madrid.

However, although the Bundesliga club would be interested in bringing Ballack back, they are also realistic about their chances of pulling off what would be a major transfer coup.

Free agent: Ballack is being released by Chelsea after four years at the club

'I don't want to make it a secret - when a player like Michael Ballack with his history with us, is on the market, then we think about him,' said Leverkusen's director of sport Rudi Voller.

Sitting this one out: Germany skipper Ballack is missing the World Cup with an ankle injury

'Michael had a great time here and we have remained in contact over the years. We are relaxed about it all, but Michael Ballack is an issue we are dealing with, particularly since he would like to return to Germany.'

Ballack's wages could be the stumbling block to a return to the Bundesliga since only his former employers Bayern Munich can realistically afford the salary he was on at Chelsea. But Leverkusen hope Ballack would be willing to compromise.

'Normally a player like Michael is out of reach for us,' admitted Voller. 'A transfer would only be possible if the player accepted a pay cut.'

Schalke and Wolfsburg have also been linked with the 33-year-old Germany captain, who misses the World Cup this summer due to an ankle injury.